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Orthodontics
Traditional Metal or Clear Braces
We have both options to fit your lifestyle. Dental braces have come a long way since they were invented in the 1800’s. Today, we are privy to a bevy of tooth-straightening options, each of which offers different benefits. Currently, the most popular types of braces used include:
- Metal Braces – These are traditional braces most often seen in children and teenagers. Metal braces are the most affordable and use a system of brackets and wires to move the teeth over time.
- Ceramic Braces – These braces work like traditional metal braces, except that the brackets bonded to the teeth are made of ceramic. This helps prevent staining, and they can also be color-matched to blend with the teeth.
Do I need braces?
Only you and your dentist can determine whether braces are right for you. However, chances are you could benefit from treatment if your teeth are crooked, overlapping or protruding. Schedule an appointment with your dentist or orthodontist for more information.
What should I expect while I have braces?
You will have certain dietary restrictions with most types of braces except Invisalign. Some foods, such as hard, sticky and chewy foods, can have an adverse effect on braces and damage the brackets and wires. You will also need to make frequent office visits to have wires tightened. If you have Invisalign, there are no dietary restrictions, as the orthodontic trays are fully removable when eating. You’ll also be able to switch to a new Invisalign tray every few weeks without visiting your dentist.
What happens when my orthodontic treatment is complete?
When you have completed your treatment, you will have your braces removed and be given a retainer. The retainer must be worn at all times initially to help preserve the new placement of your teeth. As time progresses, you may be able to begin wearing your retainer only at night.
Invisalign
We are experienced in these removable custom-fit aligners that straighten teeth without traditional braces. Invisalign is an orthodontic appliance system used to inconspicuously treat crooked and crowded teeth in adults and teens.
This modern take on braces features a system of clear aligner trays that are worn at all times with the exception of during meals and when brushing or flossing. The trays are custom fitted to the teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable when laughing, talking, and interacting with other people. Patients receive a sequence of trays, each of which is slightly different than the one before. The aligners provide slight resistance to the teeth, forcing them to move into alignment over time.
With Invisalign, adults and teens can achieve the smiles they’ve always wanted without feeling self-conscious about the mode of treatment.
Am I a candidate for Invisalign?
If you have crooked or crowded teeth that are embarrassing to you or otherwise preventing you from achieving optimal oral health, Invisalign could be the solution for you. Visit us for a complete consultation to find out if you could benefit from clear aligner orthodontics.
What should I expect during my Invisalign treatment?
Optimal results are seen with wearing your aligners for 22 hours a day. You will remove them to eat, brush your teeth and to drink anything that is not water. Invisalign treatments are customized for each of our patients but most patients can achieve their ideal smiles within one to two years. During that time, you can expect to make occasional dental visits to monitor your progress.
Will I need any post-treatment care?
Following your treatment, you will no longer need to wear Invisalign trays. However, you will need to wear retainers every night to help protect and maintain your new smile. It is also important to continue visiting your dentist for routine check-ups and twice-yearly cleaning.
Early Interceptive Treatment
(Children Orthodontics)
Early treatment (starting at around the age of 7) to intercept or correct unfavorable jaw growth. The majority of patients undergoing orthodontic care are children and teens.
When kids are young, their jaws are constantly growing to accommodate new teeth. It is during this time that the teeth are easily moved, allowing for a shorter treatment time – especially in patients who undergo early treatment.
Braces, retainers, and spacers are just some of the orthodontic appliances commonly used in children’s orthodontics. Although not all kids need orthodontic treatment, all kids need exams at an early age.
Some signs that a child may eventually require orthodontic treatment include:
- Jaw is disproportionate to the face
- Has a habit of frequent thumb-sucking
- Chronically breathes from the mouth rather than the nose
- Primary teeth fall out too soon or too late
- Exhibits malocclusion (overbite/underbite)
- Visible crowding
When do I need to bring my child to an orthodontic evaluation?
If your child is at least 7 years old or is exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Your child’s dentist can take steps to correct a bad bite, fill in gaps, and straighten the teeth all before your child reaches the teen years.
What should I expect at my child's first orthodontic appointment?
Your child’s first dentist screening will include a visual examination as well as maxillofacial x-rays. Your child’s dentist may also ask you questions about your child’s habits, such as thumb and finger-sucking. Based on the results of this analysis, the dentist will discuss options and timeframes for treatment if applicable.
Will I need to follow any special instructions if my child is fitted for a dental appliance?
Yes. If your child is fitted for a fixed orthodontic appliance, such as braces, you will need to follow careful instructions to ensure the device is not damaged or broken. This includes monitoring your child’s diet to ensure it does not include hard foods, candies, popcorn kernels, or anything else that could cause damage. You’ll also need to ensure your child properly brushings and flosses around the appliance to protect the teeth from decay during treatment.